Yes, that sensual, earthy feeling. I’m always surprised more folks aren’t drawn to the barefoot way of life. I learned this way of walking at an early age. When the family would vacation at Virginia Beach we all went barefoot- it was perfectly natural. When it came time to load up the car and re-shod ourselves though, I found it very difficult. Socks and shoes became anathema. When I wore shoes, I was aware of them, always. When my feet were free, I was free. I loved the changing weather under my feet; dewey grass, squishy mud, deep pile carpet, cool linoleum. The cool/warm/cool undulation as I walked in the surf.
I have vivid recollections of sole-ful sensations. Standing on the grated ductwork of my grandmother’s house, feeling the steel fins press into my feet. The cooling sand on the entry dune, returning to the beach I had run on all day, now giving up it’s heat as the sun fell to slumber. The warm embrace of my fuzzy winter slippers as I finally relent, allowing something to cover my paws, muting my tactile soles but thawing the numbness from above.
I recognize my kindred spirits. I see them wearing flip-flops in forty degree weather (like me). I watch as they yank off their footwear at the first sign of safety (like me). I know you’re out there. I’m with you. I’m typing sans footwear. It just feels natural to me. Why buck the system? Especially when the system is nature. ~TH~